Scaphoid Fractures: Healing Time and Recovery Insights

A minor wrist fracture has not healed after four months?

Four months ago, I had a motorcycle accident and injured my right hand.
At that time, I went to an orthopedic clinic where I had an X-ray taken.
The first doctor told me that there was nothing serious.
Later, I returned for a second visit and saw a different doctor.
I asked the doctor to review the X-rays again (there seemed to be three images), and he mentioned that a small piece of bone was fractured, but he didn't specify which bone.
He said it would heal in three weeks.
Since I needed to work to support my family, I did not immobilize my hand.
Now, four months later, I have improved significantly compared to the beginning when I couldn't even use scissors.
However, I still experience pain when wringing a towel or applying pressure, and I occasionally feel a dull ache.
I researched and found that it might be related to the scaphoid bone.
Since I can't take time off work to rest, I would like to know if leaving it untreated will allow it to heal.
I noticed in your previous responses that scaphoid fractures typically heal in 3 to 6 months; does this mean my situation is relatively normal?

Xiao Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/21

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

A scaphoid fracture of the wrist typically requires casting or surgical treatment and usually takes three to six months to heal.
If there is a displaced fracture, surgical intervention is recommended.
It is best to consult a hand surgery specialist for diagnostic evaluation.
If healing has not occurred, surgery may be necessary.

Reply Date: 2017/12/21

More Info

Scaphoid fractures are a common type of wrist injury, particularly among individuals who engage in activities that pose a risk of falling, such as cycling or sports. The scaphoid bone is one of the small bones in the wrist, and fractures in this area can be particularly problematic due to the bone's limited blood supply, which can affect healing time and recovery.

Based on your description, it seems that you sustained a scaphoid fracture about four months ago. Initially, the first doctor did not identify the fracture, but upon a second examination, it was confirmed that there was a small fracture in the scaphoid bone. The typical healing time for a scaphoid fracture can vary significantly depending on the location and severity of the fracture, as well as whether the fracture is displaced or non-displaced. Generally, non-displaced fractures can take about 6 to 12 weeks to heal, while displaced fractures may require surgical intervention and a longer recovery period.

Given that you have not been immobilizing the wrist and have continued to use it for daily activities, it is not uncommon for you to experience ongoing pain, especially during certain movements like wringing out a towel or applying pressure. The fact that you are still experiencing pain after four months suggests that the fracture may not have healed properly, or there may be complications such as nonunion or avascular necrosis, which can occur when the blood supply to the bone is compromised.

Your situation is not unusual; many individuals with scaphoid fractures experience prolonged symptoms, particularly if the injury was not initially treated with immobilization. The pain you are experiencing, especially during specific movements, indicates that the fracture may still be healing or that there could be other underlying issues affecting your wrist function.

It is crucial to follow up with an orthopedic specialist who can conduct a thorough evaluation, possibly including advanced imaging techniques like an MRI or CT scan, to assess the status of the fracture and the surrounding soft tissues. If the fracture has not healed properly, your doctor may recommend a period of immobilization in a cast or splint, or in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to ensure proper healing.

In terms of your question about whether your condition is normal, while some discomfort can persist for several months after a scaphoid fracture, the ongoing pain you are experiencing after four months may indicate that further evaluation and possibly a change in treatment are warranted. It is essential to address this issue sooner rather than later to prevent long-term complications that could affect your wrist function and overall quality of life.

In summary, while some pain and discomfort can be expected during the healing process of a scaphoid fracture, persistent pain after four months is a sign that you should seek further medical evaluation. Proper diagnosis and treatment are key to ensuring that your wrist heals correctly and that you can return to your normal activities without pain.

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